They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Creighton Macy of Baker McKenzie

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.
Last year I represented Nielsen in the $2.7 billion sale of its Global Connect business. I led the regulatory process, which involved working with my close corporate partner, Alan Zoccolillo, and Nielsen’s chief legal officer, George Callard, among a significant number of colleagues in many different countries to secure timely closing of the transaction. I am excited to work with Alan and George, among many others, again this year—in the $16 billion sale of Nielsen.

I am particularly proud of the growth of Baker McKenzie’s North America Antitrust Practice, which I am honored to chair. We have more than tripled in size in the last three years, and I am grateful to highlight each new joiner, each elevation, and the continued growth of our diverse and leading team.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?
I was fortunate that the senior attorneys I worked with when I started practicing taught me a significant amount and provided me with seemingly endless opportunities to learn—thus, working with them was crucial to my development. Based on those experiences, I would highlight the importance of finding strong mentors and constantly seeking out opportunities to grow in every respect to one’s practice.

How do you define success in your practice?
I define success by having a practice where I continue to work with tremendous lawyers and teams, in a fast-paced and demanding environment, on highly interesting, important, and challenging matters. Additionally, where I am able to consistently work with, provide opportunities to, and mentor younger lawyers.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?
I have constantly had the opportunity—whether at the Department of Justice or in private practice—to be on and lead teams with tremendous lawyers that have worked tirelessly as a unit to achieve significant results on highly important and challenging matters. Additionally, that I have had the opportunity to play a role in the development of many younger attorneys—similar to the manner in which I have been provided countless opportunities by my mentors.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?
I have had many tremendous mentors in my career—including Renata Hesse, [co-head of Sullivan & Cromwell’s antitrust group]; John Snyder, [an antitrust partner at Alston & Bird]; Tim Finley, [a trial attorney with the consumer protection branch of the U.S. Department of Justice]; and Scott Sher, [head of Wilson Sonsini’s antitrust practice]—who provided me endless opportunities to grow as a lawyer. My close friend and former professor, Julian Kossow, taught me the importance of developing strong relationships, serving others, and growing a team and community.

Just for fun, tell us your two favorite songs on your summer music playlist.
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, particularly when I am running outside in DC. “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, as it is my dad William’s favorite song to listen to with my 18-month-old son, also named William. While working, I also often listen to a channel called “EDM chill relaxing music.”

Creighton Macy is co-chair of the American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section’s Young Lawyers Task Force. He mentors others, through both the ABA and his alma mater, Marquette University Law School. During his undergraduate years, he was a NCAA Division 1 Academic All-American tennis player, also for Marquette.